Italy lose to Costa Rica, England out as France crush Switzerland

Costa Rica sensationally defeated Italy 1-0 thanks to a goal from Bryan Ruiz in the 44th of their Group D encounter at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife on Friday. Captain Ruiz met Junior Diazs cross from the left with a great 44th-minute header to cap an excellent first-half display by his team, who had a strong penalty claim turned down moments earlier. Mario Balotelli wasted two good early opportunities for the four-times winners but Italy failed to impose themselves on the game as the group outsiders played with confidence and control to claim their second victory. Costa Rica lead the group on six points and go into the knockout stage for the second time. Italy and Uruguay, who meet on Tuesday, each have three points but Italys superior goal difference means they need only a draw to go through. England, on zero points, are now certain to go out at the group stage for the first time since 1958. France crush sorry Swiss 5-2 Free-flowing France blew away in-form Switzerland with a three-goal first-half barrage en route to a thumping 5-2 World Cup Group E win on Friday that virtually assures them of qualification for the second round. France blasted two goals within 66 seconds as Olivier Giroud headed them into the lead after 17 minutes and Blaise Matuidi added a second almost straight from the restart, while Mathieu Valbuena got a breakaway third late in the half after Swiss keeper Diego Benaglio had earlier saved a Karim Benzema penalty. Benzema added the fourth and his third of the tournament in the 67th minute and Moussa Sissoko came off the bench to complete the rout six minutes later before Blerim Dzemaili’s free kick and a smart volley by Granit Xhaka made things look better for the Swiss. France have six points and a goal difference of plus-six and look well-placed to advance after going out in the group stage four years ago when they finished bottom.

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Italy lose to Costa Rica, England out as France crush Switzerland